The Technotrac proving ground in Ivalo, Finland, which was developed in close cooperation with Test World, comprises three flat tracks and two snow handling facilities.
Hankook has opened its new European winter test facility in Ivalo, Finland, which was developed in close cooperation with Test World. It comprises three flat tracks, which are used for testing braking, traction and lateral stability on snow or ice, as well as two snow handling tracks for subjective tire evaluation, that have been specifically designed to meet the needs of vehicle OEMs in Germany.
It is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure, including offices and conference rooms, state-of-the-art workshops, as well as a large cold-storage warehouse. The stable and prolonged winter conditions in Ivalo was a key factory that influenced the decision to build the facility in this location.
“Europe is one of Hankook’s largest and most important markets globally, which is why we have spent a long time working toward regional product development,” explained Ho-Youl Pae, head of Hankook Tire Europe.
“We are proud that not only our summer tires, but also those with winter treads, both of which are produced in Europe, can now be tested here under ideal conditions to ensure that they are perfectly suited to the prevailing road and climatic conditions, as well as responding to market demands. Having our very own winter test facility means that we can consolidate our position as one of Europe’s leading tire makers.”
